Airservices – safety never stops

Airservices today reiterated its commitment to aviation safety and refuted comments published in The Australian.

Airservices is and has always been committed to aviation safety.

An article in The Australian today raises a number of issues regarding air traffic safety which we think it is important to address and provide all the facts.

In Australia, all passenger flights, in all airspace and at all locations, receive air traffic services. The level of air traffic service for each airport is determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is based on a detailed risk assessment that considers the number and type of aircraft using the airspace.

The claim that radar is not used is wrong. Radar is used by air traffic controllers wherever coverage is available.

Contrary to claims published today, Airservices must implement any changes that CASA determines. Australia’s air safety regulations do not provide for Airservices to ‘object’ or ‘resist’.

Additionally, under its own statutory and regulatory obligations, Airservices is required to ensure any changes to services are implemented safely.

In the case of changes to airspace at Avalon Airport, implementation required the reconfiguration of an air traffic control console, a new radio frequency, comprehensive staff training, and associated safety work throughout the transition.

Changes were made in full consultation with the regulator, the airport and other people responsible for ensuring air safety.

Australia has one of the safest aviation industries in the world. Together, our team of more than 1000 air traffic controllers, 900 fire fighters and 300 engineers and technicians help to get people where they need to go, when they need to be there, safely and efficiently in Australian skies.

Airservices regularly works with the regulators, airlines, airports and government to improve and deliver the safest and most efficient control of air traffic in Australia.